Preserving Your Art Work (Part 2): Storage

Now that you’ve perfected your masterpiece, it’s time to store it with all the other archives. This is a crucial step as it can ruin all your efforts if not done correctly. Here’s how to store and preserve your artwork for years to come:

1. Ensure Your Artwork Is Dry

Watercolors can take about 24 to 48 hours to completely dry. When working with oil or acrylics, the drying time will depend on the thickness of the paint used. If you used more than six to seven layers, and the oil paint has a thick consistency, it can take up to 3 months to a year to dry! Don’t rush to pack up your paintings, as this will only result in wasted efforts.

Keep your hands off all painted areas as this can leave nasty fingerprints; we recommend using cotton gloves when working with your artwork.

2. Once Dried, Varnish Your Artwork

Only once your painting is completely dried add a layer of varnish. This acts as a protective coating; it’s transparent and doesn’t affect the appearance of the art. It’s moisture-resistant, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about mold growth, dust accumulation, discoloration, or even harmful UV ray damage.

Along with protection, varnish adds a coat of shine that brings your entire painting to life. All the colors pop out and look visually appealing.

3. Don’t Store In A Dry Or Damp Place

When storing your paintings, it essential to consider the temperature and humidity of the place. A basement or attic might not be a wise option as the high-humidity can lead to discoloration and deterioration of color over time. You need to select a place in which the temperature and humidity are consistent. Approximately 55% humidity and 21 degrees Celsius temperature is essential.

4. Use A Plastic Wrap

When packing your paintings, use a plastic wrap to protect the finish. Acid-free packaging such as tissue paper is also a great idea. Next, use Styrofoam to seal it and place it in a box. Ensure that you place the Styrofoam in all the corners, and there are no empty spaces for your painting to move. Seal the box with paper tape.

5. Invest In A Wire Rack

When stacking your paintings, avoid placing them horizontally, as this can ruin the texture and color over time. If you do have to lay them flat, invest in a wire rack to ensure there’s enough distance for the paint to breathe.

6. Keep A Regular Check

Even though you must’ve followed all precautionary measures to store your artwork, it’s essential to keep a check on them after every few months. This will ensure no rodents are eating on the canvas or paper.

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